Strategic Human Resources Planning

This course explores the link between organizational and human resources strategies, and provides the skills and tools you need for effective HR planning. Areas of focus include standard metrics of HR planning, relevant IT solutions, demand forecasting techniques, job- and competency-based approaches to aligning future needs with strategic objectives, management succession plans, success measurement, and the risks and limitations of outsourcing.

For campus-based courses, registration may close up to one week before the course begins.

For online offerings, registration may close up to two business days before the course begins. Your course begins on the first date listed and ends six days after the last date listed. The interim dates/times are not your actual online class times.

What will I learn?

After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:

Discuss approaches to linking organizational strategy and HR, including the characteristics of an effective HR strategy and the barriers to becoming a strategic partner

Employ criteria to select the job analysis methods best suited to a particular organization

Explain current metrics used in strategic HR planning and how to leverage different IT solutions (HRIS)

Compare and contrast various demand forecasting techniques, as well as job- and competency-based approaches to aligning needs with strategic objectives

Recognize the challenges in measuring the success of a management succession plan

How will I learn?

You may take this course in the classroom or online. Classes may consist of a combination of lectures, discussions, workshops, case studies, examinations, projects, papers, assignments and/or group presentations.

Whether you're studying in class or online, prepare to spend six to ten hours per week on coursework. You can expect reading and other assignments on a weekly basis.

Online students: You do not have to be online at specific times, other than for examinations, but you will need to be online regularly. You should plan to access Canvas at least once every few days to keep up with your work and group assignments.

How will I be evaluated?

If you're taking a classroom course:

Assignments (individual and group)

Examinations

Participation/Attendance

If you're taking an online course:

Assignments (individual and group)

Participation in online discussions

Weekly quizzes and exercises

Examinations

Textbooks and learning materials

Course fees do not include textbooks or other materials, which you may purchase from the SFU Bookstore. We recommend you purchase your textbooks as soon as you've registered. The quantities are limited at the bookstore.

Ebook option: You will need to order the ebook directly from the publisher, Nelson. Enter the course text ISBN (see above) into the search bar. When the book title appears in the dropdown window, click the name to select it. You can choose from several purchase options, depending on the length of time you'll need to access the ebook.

You will access other course materials using SFU's online course management system, Canvas. You will receive course details and Canvas access instructions on the first day of the course. You can check if your browser is compatible with Canvas here.

Professional development credits

English language requirements

To succeed in our programs and courses, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 (unless otherwise noted). If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.